Sewage contamination of drinking water in Indore leaves 10 dead and over 200 hospitalised, prompting government action and a human rights inquiry.

A major public health emergency unfolded in Indore after sewage contamination entered the city’s drinking water supply, leading to the deaths of 10 people and hospitalisation of more than 200 residents. The outbreak was reported from Bhagirathpura, where laboratory tests later confirmed the presence of E. coli and other fecal bacteria in the water, triggering a widespread diarrhoea surge.

Residents had complained for weeks about foul-smelling and acidic tap water, with hundreds of grievances recorded, but corrective work on ageing Narmada water pipelines failed to begin despite an earlier tender. The situation escalated rapidly, overwhelming hospitals, with several patients shifted to intensive care units.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav termed the incident “gross negligence” and ordered disciplinary action, including suspensions and transfers of officials. He also directed a statewide audit of water supply systems and announced compensation for affected families. The National Human Rights Commission has sought a detailed report on the incident.

Analysis: The Indore tragedy exposes the risks posed by ageing urban infrastructure and delayed maintenance. Regular water quality monitoring and faster grievance redressal could prevent such crises from turning fatal in densely populated cities.